ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reinvent the wheel

idiom
Meaning

To do work unnecessarily when it has already been done satisfactorily by others; to attempt to devise a solution to a problem when a solution already exists.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't reinvent the wheel — use the existing template.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager told her team not to reinvent the wheel, since another department had already solved the same problem.

COMPLEX

Rather than reinvent the wheel, the researchers built upon decades of established theory, saving years of redundant effort.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big wheel

    A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.

  2. 02

    break the wheel

    To end a pattern of oppression, inequality, injustice, or abuse.

  3. 03

    fifth wheel

    Anything superfluous or unnecessary.

  4. 04

    hamster wheel

    To cycle fruitlessly.

  5. 05

    set one's shoulder to the wheel

    Synonym of put one's shoulder to the wheel.

  6. 06

    take the wheel

    To assume control of a situation.

  7. 07

    third wheel

    An individual or object that serves no useful purpose.

  8. 08

    wheel away

    To run around in celebration

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